Interview Waiver (Drop Box) Program Ending Soon for H and L Visa Applicants

The U.S. Department of State has announced that, effective September 2, 2025, all H and L visa applicants, including children applying for H4/L2 visas, will no longer be eligible for a waiver of the nonimmigrant visa interview (also known as the “Drop Box” visa application). This is a major limitation of the visa interview waiver policy, a topic we last covered in February 2025.

H or L visa applicants with a drop box appointment scheduled after September 1, 2025, should reschedule their visa appointment ASAP as demand for non-drop box appointments is expected to increase sharply. Going forward, it will be imperative for all visa applicants to schedule visa application appointments well in advance.

After September 1, 2025, visa interview waivers will only be available to applicants in the following categories:

• A-1, A-2, C-3 (except attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1.
• Applicants for diplomatic- or official-type visas.
• Applicants renewing a full validity B1, B2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card/Foil (for Mexican nationals) within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration, who were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa’s issuance. Such applicants must apply in their country of nationality or residence, have never been refused a visa (unless such refusal was overcome or waived), and have no apparent or potential ineligibility.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your ILG attorney or reach our firm at .